The R&T Extra!   January 2008

A Traditional Perspective on Art: Interview with Harold Harry

Canadian artist Harold Harry is a member of the Homalco Tribe, part of the Salish Nation. His artistic activities are not the result of mere choice or whimsy. Rather, his artistic expression is a privilege passed down through family association. Harold's right to create art was inherited from a great grandfather and two great grandmothers, in the tradition of Salish culture. He was kind enough to speak to us about some of his work.

R&T: 'A'jechxw ot, Harold! (That's "hello" for many of us). To get started, tell us where you live and what your artistic background is.
Harold: I was born on the northern coast of British Columbia, but now I live in Courtenay, British Columbia. I carved my first totem pole when I was in my mid-twenties, in October of 1981. I began silkscreening a few years later. My great-uncle Ambrose taught me the basics of carving. He was also my mentor growing up. He instructed me in the traditional medicinal and healing techniques of our people, which also remain a large part of what I do.

R&T: Where does your inspiration come from?
Harold: Many of the designs and patterns I use in my work are found in nature: killer whales (orcas), eagles and heron, along with spirits such as the Thunder Spirit totem I carved. Spiritualism is very important to me, both in my artwork and in my life. There is a lot we can learn about nature and each other by simply watching our surroundings.

R&T: That sounds like good advice for artists. Have you ever made jewelry?
Harold: I would like to start using metal clay to make jewelry, but that hasn't happened yet.

R&T: Would your metal-clay imagery be similar to that done in wood or silkscreening?
Harold: Well, I doubt it. The methods used in each medium are completely independent.

R&T: Do you own a favorite piece of jewelry, or one that is especially meaningful?
Harold: Yes. I was given a necklace that includes 13 orca teeth (each tooth is about 4 inches long). The teeth represent the 13 moon cycles that occur in a year. Another man in our tribe made the necklace, but it was passed along to me after the original wearer had a vision that I should have it. This necklace acts as a barrier between certain other energies and me.

R&T: That sounds like quite a necklace — it sounds extremely heavy! I can see why that would be important to you. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. Best wishes in your future endeavors.

To see Harold's artwork and find out more, visit his Web site at http://haroldharry.com/.

The Eclectic Uses of Etchall®

We recently put one of our product testers to work on some experiments with etchall "dip & etch" liquid. And, we received a pleasant surprise. Etchall is marketed as a solution for etching glass beads, and when used on glass it produces an attractive frosted/matte appearance (like simulated beach glass). Since etchall works like most acids, eating away at surfaces, we were curious about what etchall would do on metal surfaces—if anything. So, we tested etchall on some antiqued solid-copper beads and on some shiny solid-copper beads. Would the etchall eat at the metal to create (or deepen) a patina? Would nothing happen? Or, would the etchall clean away antiquing and tarnish? Here's what we found out.

As opposed to adding a patina to copper beads, the etchall cleaned and polished the copper! It removed weathering and the beginnings of tarnish, and left the copper beads bright and shiny. So, if you're concerned about your copper creations turning green, keep a supply of etchall on hand, and you can always have bright, shiny copper to work with. Be sure, though, that you're using etchall on solid copper. Etching solutions might strip thin platings from metal just as they strip coatings from glass and crystal.

Etchall works on most gemstones too, but be sure to etch gemstones only when you do want a weathered look. Why? Because gemstones lose their luster when etched. Ever wonder why cobbles on the beach can look magnificent when wet, but seem to lose their magic once dry? The reason is because stones in nature are generally covered in tiny surface holes and cracks that absorb light. When a stone is wet, water temporarily fills these holes and cracks, allowing light to refract off the surface rather than be absorbed. This refraction highlights pretty colors and patterns. Polishing a stone eliminates surface holes and cracks, allowing its full splendor to show even when dry. Etching a gemstone returns it to a weathered state-which might just be what you want! Have fun alternating polished stones with rough ones (etch half a strand to get two looks out of one!). Or, use all rough stones for an organic or ancient-treasures look.

Etchall is generally an attractive choice for etching because it does not contain hydrochloric acid. It's also easy to reuse; just pour the liquid back into the original bottle when you've completed a batch. There are a few details to note when you use etchall on glass components:

• Etchall (like other etching solutions) will strip glass and crystal beads of coatings, such as aurora borealis, satin, vitrail, etc.
• Etchall will frost Japanese seed beads, but these particular beads seem to diminish etchall's shelf life (you will not be able to reuse your etchall as many times as with other glass beads).
• Etchall will not frost Pyrex® components.

These are minor asides for a product that gives you so many options! As with any chemical, we recommend that you thoroughly read all package directions before use, and then complete a small test batch to ensure desired results. We continue to recommend etchall for achieving a frosted/matte/beach-glass look on glass components, and for creating a weathered look on polished stones. We now also recommend etchall for keeping (or making) solid copper components shiny and bright. Have fun etching!

Show Off Your Talents: The 2008 "Your Designs Rock!" Contest

Can it be that time again already? Almost! We begin accepting entries for our 2008 "Your Designs Rock!" Contest on February 1. If you've entered before, we look forward to seeing your newest creations. If this is your first time participating, we look forward to seeing what you do, period.

There's no need to wait until February to get started. In fact, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to not only complete your design(s), but also take quality photos. We know your main concern is creating beautiful things, not photographing them, but if an image doesn't sufficiently display an artwork's quality, our judges can't make a reliable determination. That's why submitting good-quality digital images is important to your chances of winning.

This year we've provided several new photo-taking tips and resource links. Take advantage of these reference materials and our list of common image problems to avoid not just for our contest, but for all your artwork photo needs, including show applications and advertising your wares (of course, making sure to follow individual show/jury specifications).

Finally, keep in mind that "Your Designs Rock!" entries don't have to be jewelry—they can be anything. In previous years, we've received great entries for purses, boxes, nic-nacks and even a beaded headboard. So let your imagination take you somewhere new! See our contest guidelines, contest FAQ and other contest Web pages for complete contest details.

Doing the Tucson Tango

We suspect there's no other dance quite like it on the planet. Every February, the city of Tucson hosts a massive influx of gemstone and jewelry-making aficionados from all over the world. There, you can step your way past retailers and wholesalers in literally dozens of different shows going on throughout the city. There, you can waltz (er, tango) past everything from rare fossilized dinosaur dung to popular semi-precious stones to premium diamonds and emeralds. You'll find just about anything else you'd ever need or want for your jewelry designs too: glass beads, findings, cording … you name it and it'll be there. Not only that, but you'll see this unimaginable array of wares displayed in every type of venue from pricey hotels to parking lots and abandoned gas stations.

Rings & Things is happy to once again join the gem-happy throng. The 2008 Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers, Inc. (GLW) show is taking place in three different venues. We'll be at their Holidome location, 4550 South Palo Verde Road, Tucson, AZ, 85714. Come visit us at pavilion # 631/633 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. February 7-14, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 15.

To ensure an enjoyable time as you sway and sashay through the dizzying array of options, here's a list of tips from veteran R&T Tucson participants:

• Book your lodging a.s.a.p. (Some people book months in advance, and convenient lodgings fill fast).
• Bring your wholesale ID—you'll need it to gain entrance to several of the shows, including the GLW show we're in.
• Pack and wear comfortable shoes; you'll be on your feet a lot!
• Start planning before you go. The online Tucson Show Guide will help orient you to the array of options. You can also pick up a print copy of this free guide at the airport, or at your first show.
• Familiarize yourself with shuttle bus routes and stops. They are free and much easier than finding parking. You can park early at the Holidome or Gem Mall and take shuttles from the rest of the day.
• Scope out bathroom and food locations early.
• Give yourself plenty of time to see everything ... there's no such thing as rushing through.
• Be prepared for large crowds, especially the first few days of the show.
• Sensory overload is common, especially for first timers. Take at least one break a day, to refresh yourself.
• Don't buy at the first booths you see (except the Rings & Things booth, of course!). Instead, take your time and compare prices.
• Jotting down notes will help you comparison shop, so you might want to bring paper and a pen.
• A pocket calculator is also very handy to have with you at all times.
• Don't try to see everything (that would be impossible). Choose a small number of shows (or just one show) and enjoy what you can.

For a bit of history about this great Tucson phenomenon, plus more visitor tips, see the article "How to Tackle Tucson" in Art Jewelry's January 2008 issue. Check out the Tucson Show Guide for updated information on the myriad of shows taking place. If it's too late for you to visit this year, keep the Tucson tango in mind for 2009 (and book your motel rooms now). Tucson in February is a whirlwind on a magnificent dance floor. We hope to see you there for a spin!

January's Free Jewelry Project

Ever wonder what to do with an undrilled gemstone? Our January free project shows you a great technique and gets you ready for Valentine's Day at the same time. "Lyra's Locket" combines filigrees, gemstones and chain in a beautiful antiqued necklace fit for Aphrodite (Greek goddess of love).

To view this Designer Tip Sheet (a PDF file), you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download Adobe Acrobat for free here. Then, simply print the quick-loading or high resolution version of "Lyra's Locket" necklace design.

Browse our February Frolics for the rest of your Valentine's Days and Chinese New Year supplies.

R&T's String of Events: January 2008 Calendar

Between road shows, classes, purchasing trips and more, there's typically a lot going on at Rings & Things! Here's what's happening this month:

• Tuesday, January 1, 2008: Rings & Things will be closed for New Year's Day.
• Saturday, January 5: Our Spokane, WA showroom will be closed so employees can attend the R&T holiday party. (We know, we know ... we recently opened the showroom every Saturday and now we're closing it for a party?!)
• Monday, January 7:Our 2008 Super Supplement prices are effective as of today. We expect supplements to reach your mailboxes starting sometime this week. Hot new items include sterling silver leaf charms, raku-style ceramic beads and pendants, more lampwork glass and more bails. Enjoy!

• February 1-29: Enter your favorite creations made with R&T parts in our 5th annual "Your Designs Rock!" Contest. The Grand-Prize winner receives a $750 gift certificate. First-Place winners receive $250 gift certificates, and Honorable Mentions receive $75 gift certificates. Plus, this year we've provided several new picture-taking tips. Check it out!
• Saturday, February 2: Glass-Pendant Necklace Project in our Spokane, WA warehouse.
• February 7-15: Rings & Things joins the gem-happy throng in Tucson. Come see us at the Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers show (GLW), booth #631/633 in the Holidome (10 am to 6 pm Feb 7-14, and 10 am to 3 pm Feb 15). Don't forget your wholesale ID (you'll need it to gain entrance).
• Get ready to see us at an R&T-exclusive bead show near you! Our 2008 BeadTour starts March 2 with the Spokane Bead Frenzy (originally scheduled for March 9th).

Thanks!

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